Acupuncture as complimentary treatment?

[jm1953]

Wondered if anyone is having acupuncture and if they are finding it useful.  One of my doctors, not and Eastern one but a Western one, suggested it for pain, itching, skin issues and such.

Please let me know!

Thanks

JM

[Alain]

I suffer from migraine headaches a great deal and have been having chronic back pain for a few years now.

Acupuncture has been a blessing for me and one of the best way to relieve pain.

Best of luck with it.

[Hellraiser]

I've never had acupuncture does it cause you to bleed at all?

[Alain]

I've never had acupuncture does it cause you to bleed at all?

Sometimes, very little and depending where the needles are inserted.

But its really a none issue.

[Hellraiser]

Sometimes, very little and depending where the needles are inserted.

But its really a none issue.

I get a little anxious when I'm bleeding around anyone.  I know better, but it's just one of those things.

[GNYC09]

I get a little anxious when I'm bleeding around anyone.  I know better, but it's just one of those things.

me too.  I was bitten by a pet a few days ago (it hurt! and I bled a little) and I couldn't help but think, "holy crap, there's hiv going into this animal's mouth!"

ok, about acupuncture: I've rarely bled, sometimes the needle hurt (especially in foot) but it did help me with energy and other issues I had.  I hear it is also good for pain.

[Alain]

me too.  I was bitten by a pet a few days ago (it hurt! and I bled a little) and I couldn't help but think, "holy crap, there's hiv going into this animal's mouth!"

ok, about acupuncture: I've rarely bled, sometimes the needle hurt (especially in foot) but it did help me with energy and other issues I had.  I hear it is also good for pain.

the one in the wrist I find worst.

[emeraldize]

I have used acupuncture, mostly post-dx, for pain, stress and am of the belief that it helps. I trust the practitioner and I definitely use it from an energy (chi) perspective as well. I've never experienced bleeding. There are, on occasion, certain minor amounts of pain---if it's uncomfortable, I mention it to her, she adjusts the needle and voila, resolved.

[komnaes]

I am not sure I would call it "treatment", as to whether it helps to treat HIV.

As most folks here pointed out already most of us use it for pain and stress relief, which acupuncture seems to have a real effect. For that I want to add sleep problem too in my case. I almost always can enjoy a whole week of good sleep after a session; and I have been seeing one regularly for years now, even before my diagnosis.

Of course if you believe in Chinese medicine, acupuncture can help to adjust your "chi" to boost your immune system. It's a more abstract theory that Western science has major issue with, but I suppose as long as it has real effects on stress etc the alleged benefit of improving my "chi" is really beside the point.

One thing though it is good to always make sure your acupuncturist uses disposable needles. Most needles come in sealed plastic bag and they should not be reused, even after complete sanitization.

Hope it helps, Shaun